1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2002 Toyota Highlander is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 665 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 2002 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Highlander 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, 2002 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2002 Toyota Highlander 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. 2002 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2002 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
