1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1998 Renault Safrane is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Renault Safrane. (113 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 580 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane, 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, 1998 Renault Safrane (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 1998 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
