1999 BMW 323 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 580 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
