2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 4 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 2,323 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 560 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
