1959 BMW 700 vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Exige weights approximately 150 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 700 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 36 L |
