2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1994 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Nissan Sunny would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Nissan Sunny is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1994 Nissan Sunny. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1994 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Nissan Sunny weights approximately 150 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, 1994 Nissan Sunny, 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Nissan Sunny. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1994 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Sunny |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2540 mm |
