1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1989 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1989 Toyota Corolla is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota Corolla (90 HP) has 7 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 355 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1989 Toyota Corolla (136 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite. 1989 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1989 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elite | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2440 mm |
