1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Renault Laguna
To start off, 1997 Renault Laguna is newer by 34 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 1,783 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 Renault Laguna. (94 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Laguna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Laguna weights approximately 631 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, 1997 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, 1997 Renault Laguna (142 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1997 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2680 mm |
