1984 Lotus Etna vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Etna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Etna would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Etna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Etna (331 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Etna should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1984 Lotus Etna 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 1984 Lotus Etna. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1984 Lotus Etna (408 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Etna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Etna has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Etna will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Etna | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Etna | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3946 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 331 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2712 mm |
