2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
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 Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 345 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, 2008 Nissan Xterra, 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 2008 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
