2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise 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. Both 2007 Lotus Elise and 2005 Lotus Exige are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lotus Elise weights approximately 6 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Exige |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 40 L |
