2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1999 Volvo V40
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volvo V40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volvo V40 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 71 more horse power than 1999 Volvo V40. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Volvo V40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo V40 weights approximately 460 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, 1999 Volvo V40, 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volvo V40. (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volvo V40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1999 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Exige | V40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
