2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 BMW 325
To start off, 2007 BMW 325 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2007 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 325 weights approximately 545 kg more than 2006 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, 2007 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise. 2007 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 2006 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2006 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2007 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 325 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
