2004 Audi A3 vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2004 Audi A3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A3 (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A3 weights approximately 630 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3, 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, 2004 Audi A3 (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 36 L |
