2007 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 453 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | Golf | Exige |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 44 L |
