1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1993 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1993 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1993 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 537 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, 1993 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1993 Volkswagen Golf (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1993 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
