2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 204 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
