2007 Lotus Exige vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 230 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, 2002 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, 2007 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. 2002 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2512 mm |
