2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 578 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 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 | 1989 Nissan 300 ZX | |
Make | Lotus | Nissan |
Model | Elise | 300 ZX |
Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2958 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 171 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 234 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 882 kg | 1460 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |