2002 Lotus Exige vs. 2003 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (250 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 885 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.
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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (370 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 2003 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Exige | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 61 L |
