2004 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 606 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 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
