2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2010 Toyota Prius is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 134 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Prius weights approximately 624 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Prius, 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2010 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Prius |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
