1994 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Toyota Corolla is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Corolla. (132 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 235 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1994 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Corolla. (173 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Corolla. 2012 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Elan | 2012 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1466 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2601 mm |
