2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 499 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 55 L |
