1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 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 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 45 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
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, 1988 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 (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclat | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 42 L |
