1994 BMW 518 vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 518.
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, 2009 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 518 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
