2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1991 Renault Clio
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Renault Clio would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1991 Renault Clio. (48 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1991 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Renault Clio weights approximately 24 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Renault Clio, 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Renault Clio. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1991 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Clio |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
