1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1991 Renault Express
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Renault Express. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Renault Express would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1991 Renault Express. (58 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1991 Renault Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Renault Express weights approximately 135 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Renault Express, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Renault Express. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Renault Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1991 Renault Express | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Express |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
