1960 Lotus Elite vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 51 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 1,400 cc, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 1141 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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2919 mm |
