2009 Chevrolet Nubira vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Nubira is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Nubira is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Nubira. (108 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Nubira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Nubira weights approximately 463 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Nubira, 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, 2009 Chevrolet Nubira (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Nubira will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Nubira | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Nubira | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
