2001 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 276 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | New Beetle | Exige |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 44 L |
