1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Renault Megane
To start off, 1999 Renault Megane is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1999 Renault Megane. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 96 kg more than 1999 Renault Megane. 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, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Renault Megane. (134 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Renault Megane | |
Make | Lotus | Renault |
Model | Esprit | Megane |
Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1461 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 134 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
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 | 1176 kg | 1080 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2480 mm |