2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Camry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Camry 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 100 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Camry. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Camry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota Camry weights approximately 226 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Camry, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Camry. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Camry.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1989 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Camry |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
