2003 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Nissan Primera
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Primera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Primera would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Primera. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Primera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Primera weights approximately 414 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Primera, 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Primera. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Primera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 1996 Nissan Primera | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Primera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
