1962 Lotus Elan vs. 1970 Renault 12
To start off, 1970 Renault 12 is newer by 8 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 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1970 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1970 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Renault 12 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Renault 12, 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Renault 12. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 1970 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | 12 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 56 L |
