2008 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 7 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 615 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, 2008 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 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 |
