2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1993 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1993 Nissan Maxima. (168 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1993 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 370 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Nissan Maxima (253 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1993 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1993 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 253 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
