1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 20 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1968 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Lotus Elan | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elan | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 51 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |