2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1985 Renault 18. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1985 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Renault 18 weights approximately 219 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, 1985 Renault 18, 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 (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Renault 18. (163 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | 18 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1410 mm |
