2008 Audi A4 vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 Audi A4 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 Audi A4. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A4 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Audi A4 (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A4 | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A4 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2260 mm |
