1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1982 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 240 kg more than 1982 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (107 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Tercel. 1982 Toyota Tercel has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Toyota Tercel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1982 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2440 mm |
