1996 Citroen Saxo vs. 2008 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Citroen Saxo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Citroen Saxo would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (55 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen Saxo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lotus Exige weights approximately 26 kg more than 1996 Citroen Saxo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Citroen Saxo, 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, 2008 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (95 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen Saxo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Saxo | 2008 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Saxo | Exige |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1527 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2310 mm |
