1964 Lotus Elan vs. 1995 Renault Sport Spider
To start off, 1995 Renault Sport Spider is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Renault Sport Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Renault Sport Spider (144 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Renault Sport Spider should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Renault Sport Spider weights approximately 340 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1995 Renault Sport Spider (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Renault Sport Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 1995 Renault Sport Spider | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Sport Spider |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
