1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 273 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
