2003 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 662 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 36 L |
