1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 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 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 636 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Passat |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
