2004 BMW 320 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 765 kg more than 1997 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, 2004 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
