1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1986 Toyota Century
To start off, 1986 Toyota Century is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Toyota Century (153 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Toyota Century weights approximately 1206 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. 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, 1986 Toyota Century (289 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1986 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1986 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1986 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Century |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2870 mm |
