2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Renault Megane
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Renault Megane would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2004 Renault Megane. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Megane weights approximately 880 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Renault Megane. (200 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2004 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Megane |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 950 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
