2009 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1368 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lotus |
| Model | Jetta | Exige |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | 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 | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2310 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 44 L |
