1962 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Renault Laguna
To start off, 1998 Renault Laguna is newer by 36 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 1,783 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Laguna (118 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Laguna weights approximately 730 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 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, 1998 Renault Laguna, 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, 1998 Renault Laguna (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 1998 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2680 mm |
