2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 1451 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, 2008 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, 2008 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| 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 | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
