1986 Audi 80 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1986 Audi 80 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Audi 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1986 Audi 80. (115 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1986 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Audi 80 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1986 Audi 80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Audi 80 will offer significantly more control. 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 80 (173 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Audi 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Audi 80 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 80 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
