1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 37 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 273 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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 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. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
