1962 Fairthorpe Rockette vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fairthorpe Rockette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fairthorpe Rockette would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1962 Fairthorpe Rockette. (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1962 Fairthorpe Rockette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 164 kg more than 1962 Fairthorpe Rockette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fairthorpe Rockette. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fairthorpe Rockette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fairthorpe Rockette | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Lotus |
| Model | Rockette | Exige |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 711 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
