1996 BMW 540 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1020 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2001 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 540 | Elise |
Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 141 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 89.3 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 715 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |