1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 5 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 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 250 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, 1974 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 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | 12 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2450 mm |
