2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Toyota Echo
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Echo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Echo 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 12 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Echo. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Echo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Echo weights approximately 73 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, 2003 Toyota Echo, 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 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Echo. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Echo. 2003 Toyota Echo 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. 2003 Toyota Echo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2003 Toyota Echo | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Echo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 84.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 45 L |
