2003 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 2 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 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 955 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
