2001 Audi A3 vs. 2007 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2001 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A3 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi A3, 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, 2007 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A3 | 2007 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
