2000 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Renault Megane
To start off, 2005 Renault Megane is newer by 5 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2005 Renault Megane. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Megane weights approximately 985 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, 2005 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, 2005 Renault Megane (191 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Elise | 2005 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Megane |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| 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 | 143 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| 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 | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
