1998 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. Both 1998 Lotus Elise and 2005 Lotus Exige are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 216 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
