1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Toyota Venza
To start off, 2011 Toyota Venza is newer by 13 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Venza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Venza (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Venza should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Toyota Venza, 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, 2011 Toyota Venza (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Venza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2011 Toyota Venza has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Toyota Venza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2011 Toyota Venza | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Venza |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| 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 Length | 3740 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2780 mm |
