2008 BMW 550 vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Exige. (240 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 788 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 550 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1730 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 44 L |
