1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1993 Renault 21
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1993 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1993 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 60 kg more than 1993 Renault 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1993 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elan | 21 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2550 mm |
