2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 54 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
