1980 BMW M5 vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 611 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M5 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 36 L |
