2006 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 432 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi A3, 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, 2006 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige. 2006 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 44 L |
