1996 Holden Nova vs. 2006 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Holden Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Holden Nova would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1996 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Holden Nova weights approximately 149 kg more than 2006 Lotus Exige.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Holden Nova, 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, 2006 Lotus Exige (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Holden Nova | 2006 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Nova | Exige |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
