2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1998 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Sentra 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 92 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 180 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
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, 1998 Nissan Sentra, 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1998 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Exige | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
