2003 Alpina B7 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Alpina B7 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 4,399 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B7 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 305 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 1276 kg more than 1998 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, 2003 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 507 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2003 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B7 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alpina | Lotus |
| Model | B7 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4399 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2310 mm |
