1991 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1991 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 318 weights approximately 314 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1991 BMW 318 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 318 | Elise |
Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 44 L |