1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, both 1974 Lotus Eclat and 1974 Renault 12 were released in the same year (1974). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 105 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12, 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Eclat | 12 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
