2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Renault Megane
To start off, 2007 Renault Megane is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Renault Megane (221 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Renault Megane weights approximately 645 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, 2007 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, 2007 Renault Megane (300 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2007 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Megane |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2007 |
| 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 | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
