2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | Beetle | Exige |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 44 L |
