2003 BMW 320 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 460 kg more than 2005 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, 2003 BMW 320 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 40 L |
