2009 Lotus Exige vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour.
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, 2001 Smart ForFour, 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour. 2001 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Exige | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
