2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2011 Kia Forte
To start off, 2011 Kia Forte is newer by 8 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2011 Kia Forte. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Forte weights approximately 534 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, 2011 Kia Forte, 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, 2011 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2011 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Exige | Forte |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 52 L |
