2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 550 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
