2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2011 Volvo C30
To start off, 2011 Volvo C30 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo C30 weights approximately 671 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, 2011 Volvo C30, 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 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2011 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Exige | C30 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4265 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1448 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
