1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Toyota Corolla is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (71 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 564 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2470 mm |
