1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 38 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (110 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 460 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, 2009 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius. 2009 Toyota Prius 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. 2009 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Prius |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| 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 | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
