1994 BMW 518 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 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. Both 1994 BMW 518 and 2009 Lotus Elise are equipped with a 1,794 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 279 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 (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 518 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
