2001 Lotus Exige vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 566 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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
