2002 Lotus Exige vs. 2001 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart Roadster 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 96 more horse power than 2001 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart Roadster weights approximately 85 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 2001 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Exige | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 35 L |
