2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 82 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 439 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 11.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
