1995 BMW 317 vs. 2006 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 317 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 439 kg more than 2006 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, 1995 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Exige. (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 2006 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 317 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
