1997 Audi A4 vs. 1978 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1997 Audi A4 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1997 Audi A4. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1997 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Audi A4 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 1978 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Audi A4 (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Stratos. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Audi A4 | 1978 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | Audi | Lancia |
| Model | A4 | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2190 mm |
