1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 12 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Toyota RAV4. (151 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota RAV4. (194 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
