1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 35 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 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 996 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
Make | Lotus | Renault |
Model | Elan | Vel Satis |
Year Released | 1969 | 2004 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2187 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1885 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1580 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2880 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |