2001 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 755 kg more than 2004 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise. 2001 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2004 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2004 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
