2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel 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 92 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 190 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 (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
