1975 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Golf 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 (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Exige weights approximately 122 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1975 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (119 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | Golf | Exige |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | 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 | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2299 mm |
