2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 572 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| 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 | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
