1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 260 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 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Passat |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2560 mm |
