2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lotus Elise 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 61 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 186 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo, 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Polo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 16.1 seconds |
| 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
