1977 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 530 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 36 L |
