1960 Lotus Elite vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 53 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 (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 923 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1960 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1960 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 45 L |
