1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Renault Megane
To start off, 1996 Renault Megane is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 109 kg more than 1996 Renault Megane. 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, 1996 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Megane |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 256 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
