Head2Head: Lotus Exige S vs Alfa Romeo 4C - Wheels Magazine
LOTUS EXIGE S ROADSTER - Score: 74/100. PRICE AND EQUIPMENT. the $138K Lotus is $49K more than the Alfa. Despite this, it’s the Lotus that lacks kit. The continuous curve of backrest into seat base promotes a slumped driving position and thin padding means comfort is lacking for longer trips, but the seats offer fabulous lateral support. 5-litre V6 Exige S is heavier, thirstier and a bit quicker than the old four-cylinder lump, with 258kW and 400Nm driving via a six-speed torque-converter auto. The new auto is a tenth quicker to 100km/h than the manual, at 3. 9sec, and more economical, at 9. 6L/100km. Primary ride quality is good in this pair, though a light car with stiff suspension and low-profile tyres has comfort trade-offs. Lotus wears 205/45R17 fronts and 265/45R18 rears that allow small road imperfections to filter in. Exhaust drone can be draining and combines with tyre roar to drown out wind noise. Despite the light-weighting, unassisted rack-and-pinion steering makes both cars heavy to steer at low speed. Pay-off comes at max attack, where the Lotus system lets the driver feel everything. Source: www.wheelsmag.com.au
