2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1961 Triumph TR3
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 2,138 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Triumph TR3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1961 Triumph TR3. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Triumph TR3 weights approximately 124 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph TR3. (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph TR3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1961 Triumph TR3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Exige | TR3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2138 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
| 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 | 780 kg | 904 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 53 L |
