1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 40 L |
