2008 BMW 330 vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 790 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise. 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, 2008 BMW 330 (481 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise. 2008 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 330 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 481 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 31 L |
