2003 Ford Ka vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 20 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka, 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 44 L |
