2007 BMW 323 vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 BMW 323 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2007 BMW 323. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 323 weights approximately 714 kg more than 2001 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, 2007 BMW 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 323 | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 36 L |
