2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 138 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lotus Exige weights approximately 5 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Lotus Exige | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Exige | Rabbit |
Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 51 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 181 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |