1998 BMW M vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW M weights approximately 665 kg more than 2005 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 M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 40 L |
