1992 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Exige. (240 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 779 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 540 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 942 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 Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 44 L |
