2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 650 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, 2011 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Exige | 120 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| 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 | 189 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 51 L |
