2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 576 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
