2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (69 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 385 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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 45 L |
