2007 Lotus Exige vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,524 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V50 weights approximately 550 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige. 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, 2003 Volvo V50, 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, 2003 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Exige | V50 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
