1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1966 Renault 8
To start off, 1968 Lotus Elan is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Renault 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Renault 8 would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1966 Renault 8. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1966 Renault 8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Lotus Elan weights approximately 110 kg more than 1966 Renault 8. 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Renault 8. (78 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Renault 8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1966 Renault 8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | 8 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 78 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 38 L |
