1974 BMW 3 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3.
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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2310 mm |
