1981 Holden Statesman vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,041 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1981 Holden Statesman. (169 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Statesman weights approximately 870 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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 (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Statesman. (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Statesman. 1981 Holden Statesman has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Statesman | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Statesman | Exige |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5041 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
