1959 BMW 503 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 558 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
1959 BMW 503 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 503 | Exige |
Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 240 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 230 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 942 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3797 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1727 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1158 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 44 L |