1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 1602 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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 Polo, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
