2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2005 Mitsubishi Carisma
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Carisma is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige 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 74 more horse power than 2005 Mitsubishi Carisma. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2005 Mitsubishi Carisma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mitsubishi Carisma weights approximately 507 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, 2005 Mitsubishi Carisma, 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mitsubishi Carisma. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mitsubishi Carisma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2005 Mitsubishi Carisma | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Exige | Carisma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1287 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
