2008 Lotus Exige vs. 1987 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1987 Toyota Celica. (148 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1987 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Toyota Celica weights approximately 369 kg more than 2008 Lotus Exige.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Toyota Celica, 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, both vehicles can yield 180 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 1987 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Exige | Celica |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
