1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 1996 Renault Spider is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1996 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 325 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider. 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Spider |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2350 mm |
