2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 789 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander 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, 2003 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 2003 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
