2006 Lotus Exige vs. 1980 Saab 900
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1980 Saab 900. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Saab 900 weights approximately 286 kg more than 2006 Lotus Exige.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Saab 900, 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 Lotus Exige (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Saab 900. (167 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Exige | 1980 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Exige | 900 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
