1981 Audi 80 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1981 Audi 80 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,144 cc (5 cylinders), 1981 Audi 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Audi 80 (136 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Audi 80 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Audi 80 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Audi 80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Audi 80 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Audi 80 (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Audi 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi 80 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 80 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2144 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
