2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 3 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 3,491 cc, 2006 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 930 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (353 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Exige | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3491 cc |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 76 L |
