1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Altima weights approximately 960 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima, 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, 2008 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elite | Altima |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 76 L |
