2007 Lotus Exige vs. 2003 Holden Astra
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Holden Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Astra would be higher. Both 2007 Lotus Exige and 2003 Holden Astra are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2003 Holden Astra. (120 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Holden Astra weights approximately 277 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, 2003 Holden Astra, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Astra. (165 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Astra. 2003 Holden Astra 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. 2003 Holden Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 2003 Holden Astra | |
| Make | Lotus | Holden |
| Model | Exige | Astra |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| 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 | 189 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
