2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
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 Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 405 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, 1978 Nissan Skyline (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1978 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
