2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 223 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 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Polo |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
