1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 306 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | 12 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 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 | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 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 | 594 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 56 L |
