2007 Audi A3 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Audi A3 is newer by 2 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2007 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2007 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi A3 weights approximately 486 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, 2007 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, 2007 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2007 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige. 2007 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
