1998 BMW 323 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 1 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 890 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, 1998 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.4 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 | 1595 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
