2006 BMW 530 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,979 cc, 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 2006 BMW 530. (23 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 704 kg more than 2012 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, 2006 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise. 2006 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 530 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1800 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 44 L |
