1999 Volkswagen Lupo vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Lupo would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. (47 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Lupo weights approximately 44 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Lupo, 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. (86 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen Lupo | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | Lupo | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 44 L |
