2005 BMW Z4 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 BMW Z4 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW Z4 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW Z4 weights approximately 610 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 Z4 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW Z4 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | 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 | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.3 mm |
| 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 | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 38 L |
