2003 Ford Mondeo vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Ford Mondeo 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2003 Ford Mondeo. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 610 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
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 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Mondeo. (175 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mondeo | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mondeo | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2310 mm |
