2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1971 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1971 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | K 70 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 45 L |
