1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1973 Renault 5
To start off, 1973 Renault 5 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1973 Renault 5. (33 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 135 kg more than 1973 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 Renault 5, 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 5. (53 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1973 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | 5 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
