1968 Lotus Europa vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 736 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Europa | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
