1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 14 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), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2012 BMW 525 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. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 2012 BMW 525 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Elise | 525 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
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 | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2968 mm |