1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 540 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, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Golf |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
