1996 BMW 316 vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, both 1996 BMW 316 and 1996 Lotus Elise were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 316 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1310 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |
