2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1993 Renault 21
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Renault 21 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 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1993 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1993 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Renault 21 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Renault 21, 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1993 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | 21 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2820 mm |
