1988 BMW 535 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (186 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 745 kg more than 2009 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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 535 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 38 L |
