2007 Audi S4 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 Audi S4 is newer by 11 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 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Audi S4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Audi S4 (339 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi S4 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Audi S4 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, 2007 Audi S4 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, 2007 Audi S4 (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Audi S4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2007 Audi S4 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. 2007 Audi S4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi S4 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | S4 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2260 mm |
