1992 BMW 540 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 1007 kg more than 1998 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 540 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
