1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (162 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 606 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 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (340 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 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 2005 Volkswagen Passat
Make Lotus Volkswagen
Model Elan Passat
Year Released 1969 2005
Body Type Convertible Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1558 cc 2496 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 118 HP 162 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 146 Nm 340 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 1500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82.6 mm 78.3 mm
Engine Stroke Size 72.8 mm 86.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.5:1 18.0:1
Top Speed 190 km/hour 225 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 889 kg 1495 kg
Vehicle Length 4300 mm 4710 mm
Vehicle Width 1680 mm 1750 mm
Vehicle Height 1200 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2440 mm 2710 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 59 L 62 L


 

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