1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 448 kg more than 2012 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, both vehicles can yield 180 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| 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 | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
