1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (72 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Carina weights approximately 80 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Carina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2540 mm |
