1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Volkswagen CC
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen CC is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen CC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen CC (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen CC should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen CC weights approximately 808 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen CC, 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, 2012 Volkswagen CC (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen CC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2012 Volkswagen CC | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | CC |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1513 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4799 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1855 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2708 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
