1987 Audi 80 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1987 Audi 80 is newer by 18 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Audi 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1987 Audi 80. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1987 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Audi 80 weights approximately 320 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, 1987 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Audi 80. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Audi 80 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 80 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2140 mm |
