1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 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 2,771 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 330 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 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Lotus Elan | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elan | Passat |
Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2771 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |