2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Volkswagen Corrado
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Corrado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Corrado would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Corrado. (134 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Corrado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volkswagen Corrado weights approximately 375 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Corrado, 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Corrado. (155 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Corrado.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 1989 Volkswagen Corrado | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Corrado |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
