2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Altima weights approximately 662 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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 (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1512 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 | 40 L | 76 L |
