1993 Lotus Elan vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1993 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Elan (164 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lotus Elan weights approximately 135 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Corolla 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 1981 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1993 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla. 1981 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1993 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1993 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1993 Lotus Elan | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
Make | Lotus | Toyota |
Model | Elan | Corolla |
Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1290 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 164 HP | 68 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 105 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 885 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |