1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2005 Renault Laguna is newer by 36 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), 2005 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Laguna (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Laguna weights approximately 610 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, 2005 Renault Laguna, 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, 2005 Renault Laguna (188 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2005 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2005 |
| 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 | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| 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 | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
