1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 45 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 753 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, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Lotus Elan | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elan | Passat |
Year Released | 1962 | 2007 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
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 | 1343 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |