2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1998 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Safrane.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane, 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 Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Exige | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 38 L |
