2005 BMW 730 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 BMW 730 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 730 (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 730 weights approximately 1270 kg more than 1998 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 730 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2005 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 730 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 730 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 40 L |
