1990 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,792 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2005 Toyota MR2. (150 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 2005 Toyota MR2 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 2005 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 2005 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2500 mm |
