2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (66 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 346 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (133 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1276 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
