1999 Lotus M250 vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1999 Lotus M250 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Lotus M250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus M250 (247 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus M250 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Carina weights approximately 185 kg more than 1999 Lotus M250.
Because 1999 Lotus M250 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 1999 Lotus M250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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, 1999 Lotus M250 (321 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (156 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus M250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus M250 | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | M250 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
