1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 1983 Renault 5
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Renault 5 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1983 Renault 5. (160 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1983 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 203 kg more than 1983 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, both vehicles can yield 221 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 1983 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 5 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
