2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2003 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Exige. (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige. 2003 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2003 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Exige | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2830 mm |
