1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 44 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 764 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 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Golf |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
