2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 84 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1997 Nissan Sentra | |
Make | Lotus | Nissan |
Model | Elise | Sentra |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1392 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 118 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 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 | 882 kg | 966 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |