1984 BMW 323 vs. 2000 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2000 Lotus Exige is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,314 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1984 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 323 weights approximately 304 kg more than 2000 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, 1984 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 323 | 2000 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2314 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
