2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 51 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 578 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 Passat, 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 Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | Passat |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1532 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |