2008 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 2006 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 739 kg more than 2006 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Exige. (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2006 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
