1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 42 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 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. (84 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 181 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, 2011 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. (132 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2011 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Polo |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2011 |
| 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 | 118 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
