2009 BMW 550 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 950 kg more than 2003 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, 2009 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 550 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 36 L |
