2009 Lotus Exige vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 1 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318.
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 Lotus Exige (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Exige | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
