1990 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1990 BMW 525. (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 625 kg more than 2008 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 950 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 |
