2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Passat 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 90 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 120 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, 1975 Volkswagen Passat, 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 45 L |
