1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1978 Renault 4 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,470 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Europa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Europa (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Europa should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 4 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 1968 Lotus Europa (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Europa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Europa | 4 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 38 L |
