1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Renault Megane
To start off, 2005 Renault Megane is newer by 25 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 25 more horse power than 2005 Renault Megane. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Megane weights approximately 530 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, 2005 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Renault Megane. (192 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Megane |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
