1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 731 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
