1998 Fiat Punto 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 Fiat Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1998 Fiat Punto. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 84 kg more than 1998 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Fiat Punto, 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Punto. (83 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Fiat Punto | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Punto | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
