2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1995 Nissan Sentra
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 Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1995 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1995 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 64 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 Sentra, 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 (187 Nm) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Sentra. (119 Nm). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1995 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
