1990 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Volkswagen Bora
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Bora is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Bora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Bora (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Bora should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Bora weights approximately 450 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Bora is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Bora 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, 1999 Volkswagen Bora (275 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Bora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 1999 Volkswagen Bora | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Bora |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
