1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Renault Clio
To start off, 2004 Renault Clio is newer by 24 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2004 Renault Clio. (81 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 171 kg more than 2004 Renault Clio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Renault Clio, 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Renault Clio. (191 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Clio |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 48 L |
