2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2006 Lotus Elise and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 444 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
