2008 BMW 325 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 870 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 325 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 will offer significantly more control. 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 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
