2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1998 Renault Grand Espace
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Renault Grand Espace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Renault Grand Espace would be higher. At 2,186 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Grand Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1998 Renault Grand Espace. (114 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Grand Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 890 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, 1998 Renault Grand 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, 1998 Renault Grand Espace (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 1998 Renault Grand Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | Grand Espace |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
