1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Dacia Sandero
To start off, 2012 Dacia Sandero is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2012 Dacia Sandero. (74 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Dacia Sandero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dacia Sandero weights approximately 91 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dacia Sandero. (112 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dacia Sandero.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2012 Dacia Sandero | |
| Make | Lotus | Dacia |
| Model | Elan | Sandero |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1111 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2600 mm |
