2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 354 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, 2008 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
