1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 41 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 6 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 530 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Jetta (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
