2004 Lotus Elise vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 456 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Lotus Elise | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | New Beetle |
Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 172 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 77.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1206 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |