2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1995 Renault Spider
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Renault Spider would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Renault Spider (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Renault Spider weights approximately 124 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1995 Renault Spider (186 Nm) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm). This means 1995 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1995 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Spider |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 115 L |
