2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Elise weights approximately 21 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige. 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
