2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 175 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 745 kg more than 2003 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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Exige | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 51 L |
