2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Renault Laguna

To start off, 2008 Renault Laguna is newer by 7 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Laguna weights approximately 1230 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, 2008 Renault Laguna, 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, 2008 Renault Laguna (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 2008 Renault Laguna 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. 2008 Renault Laguna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2001 Lotus Elise 2008 Renault Laguna
Make Lotus Renault
Model Elise Laguna
Year Released 2001 2008
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 2946 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 120 HP 0 HP
Torque 168 Nm 285 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 3750 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 10.9:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Top Speed 199 km/hour 230 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 750 kg 1980 kg
Vehicle Length 3790 mm 3780 mm
Vehicle Height 1150 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2310 mm 2750 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 31 L 70 L