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 3,491 cc, 2006 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (218 HP @ 8000 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 590 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z, 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (353 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 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 | 3491 cc |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
