2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (120 HP) has 67 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 216 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1972 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
