2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 690 kg more than 2002 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, 2011 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 120 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 51 L |
