1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 BMW 330
To start off, 2003 BMW 330 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (184 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 1091 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2003 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 2003 BMW 330 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Elise | 330 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 184 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 410 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1805 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2840 mm |