1988 Eagle Summit vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Eagle Summit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Eagle Summit would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1988 Eagle Summit. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1988 Eagle Summit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Eagle Summit weights approximately 90 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Eagle Summit, 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Eagle Summit. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Eagle Summit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Eagle Summit | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Eagle | Lotus |
| Model | Summit | Exige |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1468 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2299 mm |
