1996 Audi A4 vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A4 weights approximately 159 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A4, 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (173 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 1996 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 1996 Audi A4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A4 | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 67 L |
