1997 BMW S3 vs. 2000 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2000 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW S3 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2000 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW S3 weights approximately 582 kg more than 2000 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, 1997 BMW S3 (330 Nm) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2000 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | S3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
