1988 BMW 535 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 621 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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 535 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 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 | 1530 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 44 L |
