1998 BMW 318 vs. 2000 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2000 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 555 kg more than 2000 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2000 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 36 L |
