1996 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Exige. (257 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
