1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 2012 Renault Espace
To start off, 2012 Renault Espace is newer by 38 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Renault Espace (239 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Renault Espace weights approximately 835 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 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, 2012 Renault Espace, 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, 2012 Renault Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 2012 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Eclat has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Eclat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 2012 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Eclat | Espace |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2110 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 83 L |
