1985 Audi 100 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1985 Audi 100 is newer by 16 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Audi 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1985 Audi 100. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1985 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Audi 100 weights approximately 445 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, 1985 Audi 100, 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 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Audi 100. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Audi 100 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 100 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 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 |
| Top Speed | 176 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
