2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1995 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Toyota Corolla 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 84 more horse power than 1995 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1995 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 138 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, 1995 Toyota Corolla, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Toyota Corolla. 1995 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1995 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
