1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2004 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2004 Toyota Yaris is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Yaris. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Yaris. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Yaris weights approximately 530 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Yaris, 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, 2004 Toyota Yaris (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota Yaris will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2004 Toyota Yaris | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Yaris |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
