2002 Lotus Exige vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 665 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Exige | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 51 L |
