1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Renault Megane
To start off, 1999 Renault Megane is newer by 19 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1999 Renault Megane. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Megane weights approximately 130 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, 1999 Renault Megane, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Renault Megane. (127 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Renault Megane | |
Make | Lotus | Renault |
Model | Esprit | Megane |
Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1869 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 64 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 127 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4140 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2590 mm |