2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lotus Elise 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 (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 364 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | Golf |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 181 Nm | 230 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 12.9 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1314 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4199 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |