2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1982 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Polo 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 136 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. (53 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 125 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1982 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Polo |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
