1980 Lotus Eclat vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 334 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1980 Lotus Eclat (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Eclat | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclat | Polo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1041 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2340 mm |
