1986 BMW 325 vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW 325 weights approximately 547 kg more than 1999 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, 1986 BMW 325 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 40 L |
