2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. Both 2002 Lotus Elise and 2005 Lotus Exige are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 174 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Exige |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
