2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry 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 (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Cherry weights approximately 95 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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 Lotus Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Cherry |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2400 mm |
