1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1998 Toyota Starlet is newer by 32 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 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Starlet weights approximately 54 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, 1998 Toyota Starlet, 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1998 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1410 mm |
