1983 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 375 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 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 Weight | 1250 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
