1980 Audi 80 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1980 Audi 80 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP) has 59 more horse power than 1980 Audi 80. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Audi 80 weights approximately 61 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, 1980 Audi 80, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Audi 80. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Audi 80 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 80 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 118 HP |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
