2008 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 563 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
