2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 5 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 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (193 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 820 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.
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, 2008 Volvo S80, 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (280 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige. 2008 Volvo S80 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. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Exige | S80 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 80 L |
