1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Renault 5
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 5 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1974 Renault 5. (33 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 460 kg more than 1974 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 5, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 5. (53 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 5 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
