2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1995 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 1,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1995 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1995 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 495 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1995 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
