1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 667 kg more than 1999 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, 2009 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise. 2009 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 318 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| 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 | 118 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
