2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 539 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, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
