2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 BMW 335
To start off, 2011 BMW 335 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 335 (320 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 335 weights approximately 1059 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 335 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 335 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 335 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 335 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1372 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 61 L |
