2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 306 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo, 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 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (127 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Polo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1390 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
