2005 Fiat Idea vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Fiat Idea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Fiat Idea would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Idea. (79 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Idea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Fiat Idea weights approximately 203 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Idea, 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 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Idea. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Idea.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Idea | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Idea | Exige |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1366 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1145 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 44 L |
