1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 54 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 928 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 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Lotus Elite. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
