2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 263 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | Golf | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 44 L |
