1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1985 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1985 Toyota Corolla is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1985 Toyota Corolla. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1985 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 210 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Toyota Corolla. (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1985 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2440 mm |
