1972 BMW 520 vs. 2000 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2000 Lotus Exige is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 659 kg more than 2000 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2000 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 36 L |
