2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Peugeot 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Peugeot 406 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Peugeot 406. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 721 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, 1997 Peugeot 406, 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, 1997 Peugeot 406 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Exige | 406 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 70 L |
