1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Renault Grand Espace
To start off, 2005 Renault Grand Espace is newer by 7 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 2,945 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Renault Grand Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Grand Espace (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Grand Espace should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 1255 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, 2005 Renault Grand Espace, 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, 2005 Renault Grand Espace (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2005 Renault Grand Espace has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Renault Grand Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2005 Renault Grand Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Grand Espace |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2945 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 83 L |
