1998 Buick Signia vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Signia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Signia would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Signia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1998 Buick Signia. (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Signia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 798 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
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, 1998 Buick Signia, 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 Buick Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige. 1998 Buick Signia has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Signia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Signia | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Signia | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2299 mm |
