1989 Plymouth Laser vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Plymouth Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Plymouth Laser would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Plymouth Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1989 Plymouth Laser. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1989 Plymouth Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Plymouth Laser weights approximately 288 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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, 1989 Plymouth Laser, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Plymouth Laser. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Plymouth Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Plymouth Laser | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Plymouth | Lotus |
| Model | Laser | Exige |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2299 mm |
