2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Esprit. (240 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 455 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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 (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3750 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 | 850 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
