2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,507 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Maxima (276 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 697 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 76 L |
