1988 BMW 524 vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 605 kg more than 2003 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 524 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| 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 | 113 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
