2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 204 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, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2005 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Polo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| 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 | 189 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1154 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
