2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 394 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, 2002 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (230 Nm) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 230 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 | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
