1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 770 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2310 mm |
