1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 780 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 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 1964 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Lotus Elan | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elan | Jetta |
Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 251 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
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 | 1370 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |