1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 481 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Golf |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| 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 | 118 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
