1993 BMW 316 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1993 BMW 316. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1993 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 316 weights approximately 308 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 BMW 316. (151 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 316 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 32 L |
