1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo vs. 2007 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo. (187 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo (223 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo | 2007 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Dardo | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
