1995 Audi RS2 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Audi RS2 is newer by 24 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 2,226 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Audi RS2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Audi RS2 (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Audi RS2 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Audi RS2 weights approximately 725 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 1995 Audi RS2 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Audi RS2 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, 1995 Audi RS2 (311 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1995 Audi RS2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Audi RS2 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | RS2 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2226 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
