1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 613 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (241 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | Jetta |
Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2480 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 241 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
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 | 1318 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |