1998 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 469 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
