1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1990 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1990 Toyota MR2 is newer by 28 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 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Toyota MR2 (135 HP) has 52 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 515 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Toyota MR2 (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1990 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1990 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elite | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 135 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
