1996 Renault Megane vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Megane would be higher. At 1,868 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (96 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Megane weights approximately 438 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. 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, 1996 Renault Megane (200 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Megane | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Renault | Lotus |
| Model | Megane | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1868 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 44 L |
