2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 495 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, 2012 Mini Cooper, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Exige | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1414 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
