2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 530 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 806 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
