1983 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 525 (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 465 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
