1966 Audi Variant vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Audi Variant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Audi Variant would be higher. At 1,696 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Audi Variant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1966 Audi Variant. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1966 Audi Variant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Audi Variant weights approximately 220 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Audi Variant, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Audi Variant. (128 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Audi Variant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Audi Variant | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | Variant | Elan |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1696 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
