2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 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 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 282 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1460 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
