2004 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 2 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 800 kg more than 2002 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 36 L |
