2003 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 9 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 651 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 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 | 1560 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 44 L |
