1989 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Elan. (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 804 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1824 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
