1966 BMW 1602 vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1602. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1602 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 94 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1602. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1602. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 BMW 1602 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1602. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1602.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1602 | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 1602 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 36 L |
