1986 Audi 200 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1986 Audi 200 is newer by 15 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 2,144 cc (5 cylinders), 1986 Audi 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Audi 200 (180 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Audi 200 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Audi 200 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Audi 200, 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, 1986 Audi 200 (252 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Audi 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Audi 200 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 200 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2144 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 59 L |
