2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1971 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1971 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 334 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Nissan Skyline. (160 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1971 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
