1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 225 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 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 12 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 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 |
