2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1987 TVR 420
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 TVR 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 TVR 420 would be higher. At 4,225 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 TVR 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 TVR 420 (300 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR 420 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 TVR 420 weights approximately 254 kg more than 2009 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, 1987 TVR 420 (393 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1987 TVR 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1987 TVR 420 | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Exige | 420 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4225 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 59 L |
