1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP) has 101 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 40 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclat | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |
