1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 2003 Toyota Avensis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Avensis. (148 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Avensis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 691 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 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, both vehicles can yield 193 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2003 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| 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 | 187 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
