1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 12 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 578 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
