2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota MR2 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 50 more horse power than 2001 Toyota MR2. (140 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 714 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2001 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
