2008 Lotus Exige vs. 2005 Renault Megane
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Renault Megane would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2005 Renault Megane. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2005 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Megane weights approximately 549 kg more than 2008 Lotus Exige.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Renault Megane, 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, 2005 Renault Megane (181 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 2005 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | Megane |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
