1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 34 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 756 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1963 Lotus Elan | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elan | Passat |
Year Released | 1963 | 1997 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1780 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |