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 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 296 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 230 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 (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 259 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 | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 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 | 1080 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
