1996 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 Nissan Mid4
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan Mid4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan Mid4 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Nissan Mid4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Nissan Mid4 (325 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Nissan Mid4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan Mid4 weights approximately 699 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Nissan Mid4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Nissan Mid4 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, 1987 Nissan Mid4 (390 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Nissan Mid4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 1987 Nissan Mid4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Mid4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1210 mm |
