1998 BMW 323 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 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 518 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, 1998 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 323 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 323 | Elise |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 169 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 912 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |