2008 Lotus Exige vs. 1961 Steyr 500
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Steyr 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Steyr 500 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1961 Steyr 500. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1961 Steyr 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lotus Exige weights approximately 436 kg more than 1961 Steyr 500. 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 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Steyr 500. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Steyr 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 1961 Steyr 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Steyr |
| Model | Exige | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1961 |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 19 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 2970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 1850 mm |
