1958 Lotus Elite vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 55 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 801 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 1958 Lotus Elite 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 1958 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1381 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
