2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1986 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Exige weights approximately 10 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1986 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Polo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1041 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
