2003 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 740 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 (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
