1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2000 Renault Clio
To start off, 2000 Renault Clio is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Renault Clio (171 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Renault Clio weights approximately 350 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Renault Clio, 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, 2000 Renault Clio (200 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2000 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Clio |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
