1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 46 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 760 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 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
