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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 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 631 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 2005 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, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 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 | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
