1991 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. (150 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 650 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Elan | 2002 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2850 mm |
