2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1991 Renault 21
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Renault 21 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 102 more horse power than 1991 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1991 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Renault 21 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
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, 1991 Renault 21, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 1991 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | 21 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2820 mm |
