2004 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 568 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
