2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 425 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
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, 2003 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 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Lotus Elise | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | Golf |
Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1390 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 14.7 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1210 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |