1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (198 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 749 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1966 Lotus Elan | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elan | Passat |
Year Released | 1966 | 2007 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 198 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 235 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 | 696 kg | 1445 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |