2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1984 Renault 4
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1984 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1984 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lotus Exige weights approximately 85 kg more than 1984 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Renault 4, 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 Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 1984 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | 4 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
