2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Sentra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 331 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, 2002 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, 2002 Nissan Sentra (245 Nm) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm). This means 2002 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2002 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2501 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 | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
