1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 13 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 44 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1982 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
