1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 110 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
