1981 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 364 kg more than 2008 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 525 | 2008 Lotus Exige | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 525 | Exige |
Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 12.0:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 5.5 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 | 1280 kg | 916 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3800 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1170 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |