2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 734 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
