1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2000 Renault Laguna is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,944 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Renault Laguna (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Renault Laguna weights approximately 640 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Renault Laguna (289 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2000 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 2000 Renault Laguna has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Renault Laguna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2000 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2944 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
