1962 Lotus Elan vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (127 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 370 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Golf |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
