1962 Lotus Elan vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 350 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Lotus Elan | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elan | Passat |
Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 73.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 940 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |