1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 238 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 12 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
