1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 BMW 128
To start off, 2010 BMW 128 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 128 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 128 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 128 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 128 weights approximately 880 kg more than 1997 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, 2010 BMW 128 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 128 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2010 BMW 128 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 128 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4361 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 53 L |
