2004 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 BMW Z4. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW Z4 weights approximately 413 kg more than 2012 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 Z4 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2004 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW Z4 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 44 L |
