1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 43 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 425 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Golf |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
