UK vs UK — 2000 vs 2004
| Exige S3 V6 Cup | Exige S2 Cup 260 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 410 hp | 257 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,456 cc | 1,796 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 3.3 sec | 4.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 170 mph | 154 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 11.4 sec | 12.6 sec |
| Weight | 2,447 lbs | 1,962 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,370 mm | 2,300 mm |
| Length | 4,076 mm | 3,800 mm |
| Original MSRP | $79,400 | $58,990 |
| Value (Excellent) | $140,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2000 Lotus Exige S3 V6 Cup brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 2004 Lotus Exige S2 Cup 260 answers with lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Lotus Exige. The 2000 and 2004 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2000 Lotus Exige S3 V6 Cup holds a clear advantage in raw power with 410 hp compared to 257 hp, a 153-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Exige uses a V6 DOHC Supercharged displacing 3,456 cc, while the Lotus Exige S2 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC Supercharged with 1,796 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2000 Lotus Exige S3 V6 Cup edges ahead at 3.3 seconds versus 4.1 seconds. The Lotus Exige S2 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 485 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.