2000 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Renault Megane. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Megane weights approximately 492 kg more than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Because 2000 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 2000 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2000 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Megane. (127 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Elise | 2003 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Megane |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
