1980 Lotus Eclat vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 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 60 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 1996 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, 1980 Lotus Eclat (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Eclat | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclat | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
