2006 Volvo S40 vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 516 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40, 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 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volvo S40 | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Volvo | Lotus |
| Model | S40 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1458 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 44 L |
