2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1998 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 595 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Safrane. 1998 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 38 L |
