2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1972 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Toyota Carina weights approximately 68 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Carina. (134 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1972 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Carina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
