1959 Berkeley B vs. 2006 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP) has 140 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Exige weights approximately 560 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, 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, 2006 Lotus Exige (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley B | 2006 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | B | Exige |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 189 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 44 L |
