1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Cougar would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (128 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 511 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar, 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 Ford Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cougar | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1291 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 36 L |
