1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2004 Renault Laguna 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 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Renault Laguna. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Laguna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Laguna weights approximately 480 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, 2004 Renault Laguna, 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 Laguna (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2004 Renault Laguna 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 Laguna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
