2004 Renault Clio vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Renault Clio would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2004 Renault Clio. (81 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Clio weights approximately 93 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Renault Clio. (191 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Clio | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Renault | Lotus |
| Model | Clio | Exige |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Size | 1459 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 44 L |
