2005 BMW 525 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 4 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 1025 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, 2005 BMW 525 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
