1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 2003 Toyota Avensis is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Avensis (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Avensis should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 725 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Toyota Avensis, 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, 2003 Toyota Avensis (196 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Avensis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise. 2003 Toyota Avensis has automatic transmission and 1997 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1997 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Avensis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2003 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
