2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 39 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (150 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 337 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (202 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
