2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (161 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 127 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | Golf |
Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 218 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 212 Nm | 225 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1077 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |