1983 Audi 80 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1983 Audi 80 is newer by 14 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Audi 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1983 Audi 80. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 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 280 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, 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, both vehicles can yield 147 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Audi 80 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 80 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |
