1994 BMW 518 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 518 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 518 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 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 |
