1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 150 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (117 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Lotus Elan | 1997 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elan | Polo |
Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1390 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 126 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
Torque | 153 Nm | 117 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4150 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |