1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
To start off, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is newer by 16 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser (260 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser weights approximately 830 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser 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. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Lotus Elan | 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser | |
Make | Lotus | Toyota |
Model | Elan | FJ Cruiser |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 260 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 367 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4671 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1905 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1811 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2690 mm |