1990 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2007 Toyota 4Runner is newer by 17 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 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota 4Runner (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 165 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Toyota 4Runner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Toyota 4Runner will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Toyota 4Runner (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan. 2007 Toyota 4Runner has automatic transmission and 1990 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1990 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Toyota 4Runner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 2007 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2800 mm |
