1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Renault Megane
To start off, 2005 Renault Megane is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2005 Renault Megane. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 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 176 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 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, 2005 Renault Megane (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Megane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1296 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
