1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 46 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 734 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
