1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 13 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), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 612 kg more than 1998 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2011 BMW 120 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. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 2011 BMW 120 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Elise | 120 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
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 | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1326 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |