2003 Fiat Punto vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Fiat Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Punto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (83 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Punto, 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (196 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Punto | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1901 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 40 L |
