1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1986 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1986 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1986 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 175 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, 1986 Toyota Corolla, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Corolla. (103 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1986 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
