2008 BMW 550 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 1016 kg more than 1998 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 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 550 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2310 mm |
