2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (90 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 765 kg more than 2008 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, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Hi-Ace |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1960 mm |
