1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Maxima is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 901 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2011 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
