1989 BMW Z1 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1989 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW Z1 weights approximately 536 kg more than 1998 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 Z1 (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1989 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z1 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
