2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 74 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (103 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 450 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
