2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 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 62 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 405 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, 2006 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
