1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2008 Skoda Octavia is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 Skoda Octavia. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Skoda Octavia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 455 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 2008 Skoda Octavia is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Skoda Octavia 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, 2008 Skoda Octavia (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2008 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Lotus | Skoda |
| Model | Elan | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
