1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1992 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1992 Renault Safrane is newer by 23 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1992 Renault Safrane. (107 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1992 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Renault Safrane weights approximately 670 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, 1992 Renault Safrane, 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, 1992 Renault Safrane (155 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1992 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2770 mm |
