2003 Holden Barina vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Holden Barina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Barina would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2003 Holden Barina. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Barina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Holden Barina weights approximately 118 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Holden Barina, 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Barina. (120 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Barina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Barina | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Barina | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2299 mm |
