1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Renault Laguna
To start off, 1998 Renault Laguna is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Renault Laguna. (118 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Laguna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Laguna weights approximately 252 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Laguna. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Laguna.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2680 mm |
