2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Renault Espace
To start off, 2008 Renault Espace is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Renault Espace. (168 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Espace weights approximately 980 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, 2008 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, 2008 Renault Espace (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2008 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | Espace |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 83 L |
