1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1999 Lotus M250
To start off, 1999 Lotus M250 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Lotus M250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus M250 (247 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus M250 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 105 kg more than 1999 Lotus M250.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Lotus M250 (321 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus M250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1999 Lotus M250 | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Eclat | M250 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1180 mm |
