2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1973 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 26 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Nissan Skyline. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1973 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
