2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 18 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18, 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Lotus Elise | 1981 Renault 18 | |
Make | Lotus | Renault |
Model | Elise | 18 |
Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1396 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 63 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 179 Nm | 103 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 77 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 985 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |