2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Renault 5
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1988 Renault 5. (45 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lotus Elise weights approximately 166 kg more than 1988 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Renault 5, 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 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 5. (80 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1988 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | 5 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1988 |
| 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 | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 16 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 43 L |
