2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 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), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 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 135 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Lotus Elise | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
Make | Lotus | Nissan |
Model | Elise | Cherry |
Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 179 Nm | 123 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3900 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1610 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2400 mm |