2000 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Renault Megane
To start off, 2008 Renault Megane is newer by 8 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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Megane weights approximately 455 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, 2008 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Renault Megane. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Elise | 2008 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Megane |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
