1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2002 Renault Megane
To start off, 2002 Renault Megane is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2002 Renault Megane. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2002 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Renault Megane weights approximately 75 kg more than 1983 Lotus Excel.
Because 1983 Lotus Excel 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 1983 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Renault Megane. (127 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2002 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Excel | Megane |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
