2012 Lotus Exige vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 831 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, 2005 BMW 525 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige. 2005 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Lotus Exige | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Exige | 525 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 909 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3797 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1727 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1158 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 70 L |
