2007 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 626 kg more than 2009 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 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 318 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
