1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1986 Renault Alpine
To start off, 1986 Renault Alpine is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,458 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Renault Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault Alpine (200 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault Alpine should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault Alpine weights approximately 332 kg more than 1968 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, 1986 Renault Alpine (285 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Renault Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1986 Renault Alpine | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 63 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 72 L |
