2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat 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 (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 75 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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | Passat |
Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 186 HP | 54 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 92 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
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 | 860 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |