1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2003 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2003 Renault Laguna is newer by 37 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Renault Laguna. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Laguna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Laguna weights approximately 734 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
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, 2003 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, 2003 Renault Laguna (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2003 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
