1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 53 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 950 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
