2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Dodge Nitro is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,704 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Nitro (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 995 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 2005 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Nitro | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1971 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
