1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1993 Renault 21
To start off, 1993 Renault 21 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Renault 21 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Renault 21, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1993 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1993 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1993 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elite | 21 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
