2001 BMW 325 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2001 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 325 weights approximately 759 kg more than 2011 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, 2001 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 325 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 44 L |
