2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (114 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 894 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Renault Safrane, 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, 1996 Renault Safrane (234 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1996 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
