2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Renault Twingo
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 Twingo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Renault Twingo would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1997 Renault Twingo. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Twingo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Twingo weights approximately 30 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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 Twingo, 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Twingo. (93 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Twingo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1997 Renault Twingo | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Twingo |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 66 L |
