1974 Renault 12 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 Lotus Elise 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 2011 Lotus Elise. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Renault | Lotus |
| Model | 12 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2299 mm |
