2008 BMW 118 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 118 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 118 weights approximately 459 kg more than 2011 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, 2008 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 118 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 44 L |
