2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Renault Clio
To start off, 2007 Renault Clio is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2007 Renault Clio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2007 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Renault Clio weights approximately 465 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Renault Clio, 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Renault Clio. (151 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 2007 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Clio |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
