1989 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 19 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 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (350 HP @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Elan. (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (1,153 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 952 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 2008 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 1153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
