2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 510 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, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1987 Nissan 300 ZX | |
Make | Lotus | Nissan |
Model | Elise | 300 ZX |
Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2960 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 218 HP | 171 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 212 Nm | 234 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1460 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |