2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 12 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Renault 12, 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 Exige (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | 12 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 56 L |
