1985 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 128 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 Lotus Elise 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 2011 Lotus Elise. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | Passat | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2299 mm |
