2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 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 69 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 609 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
