2008 Audi S8 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 Audi S8 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi S8 (450 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi S8 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Audi S8 (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2008 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi S8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S8 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | S8 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 185 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 | 1160 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 45 L |
