2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Renault Megane
To start off, 2006 Renault Megane is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 2006 Renault Megane. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Megane weights approximately 364 kg more than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2002 Lotus Esprit 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 Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Renault Megane, 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Renault Megane. (191 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Megane |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2530 mm |
