1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Altima weights approximately 428 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Altima |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
