1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 BMW 123
To start off, 2010 BMW 123 is newer by 12 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 123 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 123 weights approximately 781 kg more than 1998 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, 2010 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2010 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 123 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2660 mm |
