1999 BMW 323 vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 680 kg more than 2003 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
