2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 340 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (165 Nm). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2005 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
