1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2004 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2004 Toyota MR2 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,793 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota MR2 (142 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1968 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, 2004 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2004 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 48 L |
