1989 BMW 850 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 405 kg more than 2005 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 850 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 40 L |
