1999 BMW Z8 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW Z8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW Z8 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z8 weights approximately 631 kg more than 2009 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 Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z8 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z8 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4939 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 40 L |
