1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 2007 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (220 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2007 Lotus Exige (225 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 2007 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Exige |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
