1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 528 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 38 L |
