1989 Dodge Shadow vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Dodge Shadow. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Dodge Shadow would be higher. At 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Dodge Shadow is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1989 Dodge Shadow. (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1989 Dodge Shadow. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Shadow weights approximately 346 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Shadow | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Shadow | Exige |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2299 mm |
