2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1986 Renault Espace
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Renault Espace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Renault Espace would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1986 Renault Espace. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault Espace weights approximately 390 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Renault 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault Espace. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault Espace.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1986 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | Espace |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 68 L |
