2008 BMW 325 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 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 BMW 325. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 574 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 325 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise. 2008 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
