1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 49 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 699 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1289 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
