1995 Lotus Elan vs. 1970 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1995 Lotus Elan is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan.
Because 1970 Volkswagen K 70 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 1970 Volkswagen K 70. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan, 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, 1995 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Elan | 1970 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
