1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2002 Toyota Prius is newer by 33 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 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Prius. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Prius weights approximately 361 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, 2002 Toyota Prius, 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 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Prius. 2002 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2002 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Prius |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 48 L |
