2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Renault Espace
To start off, 2004 Renault Espace is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Espace (161 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Espace weights approximately 1100 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Renault 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, 2004 Renault Espace (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 2004 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2001 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2004 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Espace |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| 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 | 141 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
