1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 903 kg more than 2011 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 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 540 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 44 L |
