2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2012 Audi S5
To start off, 2012 Audi S5 is newer by 9 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 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Audi S5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi S5 (354 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi S5 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi S5 weights approximately 970 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 2012 Audi S5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Lotus Exige. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi S5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Audi S5 (440 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi S5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige. 2012 Audi S5 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. 2012 Audi S5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2012 Audi S5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Exige | S5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 354 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1382 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 64 L |
