1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1292 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2007 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 2312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
