2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 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 140 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 80 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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, 1997 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1997 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Polo |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
