1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 1997 Toyota Avensis is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 126 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 405 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Avensis, 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, 1997 Toyota Avensis (187 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Avensis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 1997 Toyota Avensis has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Toyota Avensis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1997 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
