1960 Lotus Elite vs. 1995 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volkswagen Polo (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 378 kg more than 1960 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1995 Volkswagen Polo (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1995 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 1995 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | Polo |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
