1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 1617 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Altima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 2322 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
