2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Renault Megane
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2005 Renault Megane. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Megane weights approximately 768 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, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Renault Megane. (127 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2005 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | Megane |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 60 L |
