2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1999 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Renault Megane would be higher. At 1,870 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1999 Renault Megane. (96 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Megane weights approximately 345 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, 1999 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, 1999 Renault Megane (200 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1999 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | Megane |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 12 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
