2003 Renault Megane vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Renault Megane would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2003 Renault Megane. (132 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Megane weights approximately 381 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Megane. (191 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Renault Megane | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Renault | Lotus |
| Model | Megane | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 44 L |
