2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 663 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | Passat | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.3 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 44 L |
