2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1977 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Celica 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 (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1977 Toyota Celica. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1977 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Toyota Celica weights approximately 26 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 (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Toyota Celica. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1977 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Celica |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
