2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1999 Volkswagen Lupo
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Lupo would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lotus Elise weights approximately 47 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Lupo, 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 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. (155 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1999 Volkswagen Lupo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Lupo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 34 L |
