1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Renault 18 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1985 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 82 kg more than 1985 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Renault 18, 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 18 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
