2008 BMW 118 vs. 2011 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2011 Tesla Roadster 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. In terms of performance, 2011 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Tesla Roadster should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Tesla Roadster weights approximately 5 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Tesla Roadster (400 Nm) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (181 Nm). This means 2011 Tesla Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 2011 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Tesla |
| Model | 118 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Electric |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2352 mm |
