2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 7 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320.
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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 320 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
