2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
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 Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 860 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 Sharan, 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 Sharan (170 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 15.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
