2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1996 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (114 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 775 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, 1996 Renault Safrane, 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, 1996 Renault Safrane (234 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1996 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
