1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1991 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1991 Toyota Carina is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Toyota Carina (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Toyota Carina weights approximately 415 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Toyota Carina, 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, 1991 Toyota Carina (139 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1991 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1991 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elite | Carina |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 61 L |
