1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1991 Renault Espace
To start off, 1991 Renault Espace is newer by 28 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 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Renault Espace (103 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Renault Espace weights approximately 726 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Renault Espace, 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, 1991 Renault Espace (159 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1991 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1991 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Espace |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 173 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 77 L |
