2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 300 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
