1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Toyota Camry
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Toyota Camry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Toyota Camry would be higher. At 1,832 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Toyota Camry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1985 Toyota Camry. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Toyota Camry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Toyota Camry weights approximately 375 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Toyota Camry, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Toyota Camry. (143 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Toyota Camry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1985 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Camry |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
