2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 410 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 55 L |
