1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Renault Grand Espace
To start off, 2002 Renault Grand Espace is newer by 33 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Renault Grand Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Renault Grand Espace (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Renault Grand Espace should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 960 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. 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, 2002 Renault Grand Espace, 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, 2002 Renault Grand Espace (183 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2002 Renault Grand Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Grand Espace |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
