1974 Austin 1800 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1974 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Austin 1800 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Austin 1800, 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin 1800. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin 1800 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 1800 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 36 L |
