1997 BMW S3 vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 12 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 20 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Exige. (240 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 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, 1997 BMW S3 (330 Nm) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (231 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | S3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| 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 | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
