1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 840 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Exige |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 36 L |
