2004 BMW 318 vs. 2000 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Lotus Elise would be higher. Both 2004 BMW 318 and 2000 Lotus Elise are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 580 kg more than 2000 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, 2004 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2000 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 36 L |
