1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 677 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
