2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 BMW Z4
To start off, 2010 BMW Z4 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2010 BMW Z4. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW Z4 weights approximately 630 kg more than 2005 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, 2010 BMW Z4 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2010 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2010 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
