2011 Lotus Exige vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Lotus Exige would be higher. Both 2011 Lotus Exige and 2012 Volkswagen Passat are equipped with a 1,800 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 560 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Lotus Exige | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Exige | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3797 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1727 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1158 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 70 L |
