1987 BMW Z1 vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1987 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW Z1 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2008 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, 1987 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1987 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z1 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
