1987 BMW 730 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1987 BMW 730. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 730 weights approximately 693 kg more than 2012 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, 1987 BMW 730 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 730 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 730 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1602 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 44 L |
