1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1994 Renault 19
To start off, 1994 Renault 19 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,764 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Renault 19 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Renault 19 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Renault 19 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Renault 19 weights approximately 494 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Renault 19, 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, 1994 Renault 19 (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Renault 19 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1994 Renault 19 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | 19 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
