1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2010 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 41 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 450 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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Polo |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2470 mm |
