1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 36 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), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 656 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 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (225 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
