1998 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 529 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, 2006 Lotus Exige (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2006 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
