2006 BMW 316 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 BMW 316 is newer by 5 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. Both 2006 BMW 316 and 2001 Lotus Elise are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2006 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 316 weights approximately 750 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 316 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 38 L |
