1968 Lotus Europa vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa 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 (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 320 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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 (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Europa | Exige |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
