1974 Lotus Elite vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (156 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 269 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (162 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima. 2009 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elite | Altima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
