2008 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Ford Mustang is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Mustang weights approximately 2082 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 36 L |
