1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 38 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 533 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, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2007 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. 2007 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Golf |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
