1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 13 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. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Exige weights approximately 228 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2299 mm |
