1990 BMW 316 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 150 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
