1974 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 11 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | Passat | Exige |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2299 mm |
