2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 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. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Exige weights approximately 192 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Elise | Exige |
Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 240 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 230 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 942 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3797 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1727 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1158 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 44 L |