1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 401 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 Lotus Elise 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Lotus Elise | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | Polo |
Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1895 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 98 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1106 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3910 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |