2009 Audi RS4 vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Audi RS4 is newer by 19 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 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Audi RS4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi RS4 (414 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi RS4 should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi RS4 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Audi RS4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi RS4 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, 2009 Audi RS4 (430 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Audi RS4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi RS4 | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | RS4 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| 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 | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2260 mm |
