1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Renault Fluence
To start off, 2004 Renault Fluence 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Fluence is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Fluence (276 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Fluence should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Fluence weights approximately 380 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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 Fluence, 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, 2004 Renault Fluence (366 Nm) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm). This means 2004 Renault Fluence will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2004 Renault Fluence 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. 2004 Renault Fluence will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Renault Fluence | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Fluence |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
