1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco weights approximately 132 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco, 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, 1999 Lotus Elise (165 Nm) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. (85 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Scirocco |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
