1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 39 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), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 464 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (221 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Polo |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| 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 | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
