2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1980 Talbot 1510
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Talbot 1510. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Talbot 1510 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1980 Talbot 1510. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Talbot 1510. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Talbot 1510 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Talbot 1510, 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 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Talbot 1510. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Talbot 1510.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1980 Talbot 1510 | |
| Make | Lotus | Talbot |
| Model | Exige | 1510 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
