2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 302 kg more than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Exige | S40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
