1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 471 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 3 | Exige |
Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 257 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 255 Nm | 236 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 909 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3797 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1727 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1158 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2299 mm |