2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 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 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 870 kg more than 2005 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 2012 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| 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 | 189 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
