1981 BMW 518 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 244 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 518 | Elise |
Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1803 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 187 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 896 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |