2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Toyota Paseo
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Paseo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Paseo 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 (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Paseo. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Paseo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Paseo weights approximately 135 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, 1997 Toyota Paseo, 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 (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Paseo. (130 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Paseo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1997 Toyota Paseo | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Paseo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2390 mm |
