1998 BMW 316 vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 500 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 316 | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 316 | Elise |
Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 106 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 750 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |