1975 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 520 weights approximately 445 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2310 mm |
