1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,583 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elite (83 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1968 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1968 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 40 L |
