2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Safrane (142 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Safrane weights approximately 740 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Renault Safrane, 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, 1997 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1997 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| 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 | 120 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 38 L |
