1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Maxima 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 3,507 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Maxima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise.
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 Maxima, 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 Maxima (347 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise. 2006 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 1997 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1997 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2006 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
