1983 Audi 80 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1983 Audi 80 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1983 Audi 80. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Audi 80 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Audi 80. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Audi 80 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 80 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
