1999 BMW 323 vs. 2008 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 9 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 541 kg more than 2008 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Exige. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 2008 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2008 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2008 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 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 |
