2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 573 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise. 2012 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Lotus Elise | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | Golf |
Year Released | 2007 | 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 | 120 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 785 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 | 38 L | 55 L |