1958 Lotus Elite vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 660 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 Lotus Elite. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | Golf |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
