1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Renault 19
To start off, 1989 Renault 19 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1989 Renault 19. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 19. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 62 kg more than 1989 Renault 19. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Renault 19, 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 19. (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 19.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Renault 19 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 19 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 115 L |
