2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 320 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 970 kg more than 2001 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, 2006 BMW 320 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 2006 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2001 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 320 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| 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 | 141 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
