2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Nissan NP300
To start off, 2012 Nissan NP300 is newer by 7 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 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan NP300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2012 Nissan NP300. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan NP300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan NP300 weights approximately 433 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, 2012 Nissan NP300, 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, 2012 Nissan NP300 (205 Nm) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 2012 Nissan NP300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2012 Nissan NP300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | NP300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
