1999 Audi S8 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1999 Audi S8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 4,170 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi S8 (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi S8 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Lotus Elite. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 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, 1999 Audi S8 (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite. 1999 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Audi S8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | S8 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
