2001 Lotus Exige vs. 2011 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Maxima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige 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 (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 837 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 2001 Lotus Exige. 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 (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige. 2011 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2001 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 2011 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Exige | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 Weight | 780 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 76 L |
