1996 Audi S6 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan

To start off, 1996 Audi S6 is newer by 27 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 4,171 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Audi S6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi S6 (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi S6 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi S6 weights approximately 910 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1996 Audi S6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi S6 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, 1996 Audi S6 (420 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Audi S6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1996 Audi S6 has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Audi S6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1996 Audi S6 1969 Lotus Elan
Make Audi Lotus
Model S6 Elan
Year Released 1996 1969
Body Type Sedan Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4171 cc 1558 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 5 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 335 HP 116 HP
Engine RPM 7000 RPM 6250 RPM
Torque 420 Nm 146 Nm
Torque RPM 3400 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84.5 mm 82.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 93 mm 72.8 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 10.3:1
Drive Type 4WD Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1760 kg 850 kg
Vehicle Length 4840 mm 4290 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1680 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1200 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2440 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 82 L 45 L