2001 Lotus Exige vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 556 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
