1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, both 1969 Lotus Elan and 1969 Renault 12 were released in the same year (1969). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,565 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1969 Renault 12. (113 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1969 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Renault 12 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Renault 12, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Renault 12. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | 12 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 89 L |
