1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Leopard (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 535 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Nissan Leopard (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
