1996 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 318 would be higher. Both 1996 BMW 318 and 2002 Lotus Elise are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 318 weights approximately 689 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 318 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 318 | Elise |
Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4850 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 756 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 38 L |