1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (73 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
