2008 Lotus Exige vs. 1989 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Corolla 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 83 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 109 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, 1989 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2008 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (149 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Corolla. 1989 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2008 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2008 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 1989 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Exige | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
