2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1987 Maserati 228
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Maserati 228. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Maserati 228 would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Maserati 228 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Maserati 228 (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Maserati 228 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Maserati 228 weights approximately 485 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige. 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, 1987 Maserati 228 (365 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Maserati 228 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1987 Maserati 228 | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Exige | 228 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
