1996 Ford Ka vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ka 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 182 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Exige weights approximately 34 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Ford Ka, 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Exige |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 44 L |
