1998 BMW 330 vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1996 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 330 (281 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 330 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1395 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
