2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
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 Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (60 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 355 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 60 HP |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
