1989 BMW 730 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 BMW 730. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 730 weights approximately 815 kg more than 2009 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, 1989 BMW 730 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 730 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 730 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 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 | 1600 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 38 L |
