1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2009 Nissan Versa is newer by 12 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Versa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Versa (123 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Versa weights approximately 624 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, 2009 Nissan Versa, 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, 2009 Nissan Versa (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2009 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Versa |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
