2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Polo 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 119 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 162 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, 2004 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Polo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1112 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
