2004 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Altima weights approximately 648 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Altima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 76 L |
