1999 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 533 kg more than 2012 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 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
