1998 BMW 325 vs. 2007 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 518 kg more than 2007 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, 1998 BMW 325 (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2007 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1434 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
