1992 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (237 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1992 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1992 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 664 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Lotus Elan | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 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 | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3250 mm |
