2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 80 kg more than 1958 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Exige | 356 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
