2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 136 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (131 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1996 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
