1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 315 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elise | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
