1997 BMW 850 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1095 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (400 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 850 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2310 mm |
