1998 Ford Puma vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Puma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Puma would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1998 Ford Puma. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Puma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Puma weights approximately 230 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Puma, 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Puma. (125 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Puma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Puma | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Puma | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 36 L |
