1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 211 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1963 Lotus Elan | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elan | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1963 | 1977 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 111 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 805 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2410 mm |