2000 Lotus Elise vs. 1971 Renault 12
To start off, 2000 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Renault 12 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Because 2000 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 2000 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 2000 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Elise | 1971 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | 12 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 138 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 56 L |
