2003 Daihatsu Copen vs. 2000 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Copen. (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Copen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Daihatsu Copen weights approximately 74 kg more than 2000 Lotus Exige.
Because 2000 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 2000 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Daihatsu Copen, 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, 2000 Lotus Exige (180 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Copen. (120 Nm). This means 2000 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Copen.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Daihatsu Copen | 2000 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Copen | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
