1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Audi A8
To start off, 2011 Audi A8 is newer by 15 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 4,134 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A8 (345 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 2011 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 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, 2011 Audi A8 (800 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 596 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2011 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2011 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Elan | A8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2992 mm |
