1995 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1995 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 520 weights approximately 576 kg more than 2012 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, 1995 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 520 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1118 mm |
