1996 Audi A4 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi A4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi A4 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A4 weights approximately 429 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A4 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 38 L |
