2007 Lotus Exige vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 673 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
