2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 109 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Lotus Elise | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | Passat |
Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 894 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |