1964 Lotus Elan vs. 1986 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1986 Toyota Tercel is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1986 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1986 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Toyota Tercel weights approximately 190 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Because 1964 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 1964 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1964 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Tercel. (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1964 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 1986 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2440 mm |
