2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Renault Clio
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Renault Clio would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Renault Clio. (177 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Clio weights approximately 319 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, 2003 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, 2003 Renault Clio (191 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2003 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Clio |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| 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 | 189 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| 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 | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
