1987 Audi 80 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Audi 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Audi 80 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1987 Audi 80. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Audi 80 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise 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 1998 Lotus Elise. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Audi 80. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Audi 80 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 80 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
