2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lotus Exige weights approximately 170 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Europa |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 45 L |
