2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1997 Suzuki Baleno
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Suzuki Baleno. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Suzuki Baleno 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 78 more horse power than 1997 Suzuki Baleno. (99 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Suzuki Baleno. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Suzuki Baleno weights approximately 255 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Baleno, 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Suzuki Baleno. (127 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Suzuki Baleno.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 1997 Suzuki Baleno | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Exige | Baleno |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 51 L |
