1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Cherry weights approximately 111 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 1981 Nissan Cherry has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
Make | Lotus | Nissan |
Model | Elise | Cherry |
Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1270 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 825 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3900 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2400 mm |