2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1997 Toyota RAV4. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 544 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota RAV4. (173 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1997 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
