2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1979 Renault 5
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Renault 5. (159 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 5 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1979 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | 5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 56 L |
