1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 325 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
