2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1999 Renault Megane
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Renault Megane would be higher. At 1,869 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1999 Renault Megane. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Megane weights approximately 250 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, 1999 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Renault Megane. (200 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1999 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | Megane |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
