1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2007 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2007 Toyota Prius is newer by 48 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 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Prius (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota Prius weights approximately 720 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, 2007 Toyota Prius, 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, 2007 Toyota Prius (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 2007 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2007 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elite | Prius |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 45 L |
