1985 Audi 100 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1985 Audi 100 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,986 cc (5 cylinders), 1985 Audi 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1985 Audi 100. (70 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 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 390 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Audi 100. (123 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 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 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 100 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 154 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 | 1260 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2440 mm |
