1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Renault Megane
To start off, 1999 Renault Megane is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1999 Renault Megane. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Megane weights approximately 211 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Renault Megane. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Renault Megane. 1999 Renault Megane has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Renault Megane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Megane |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
