2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (215 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 445 kg more than 2009 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 Z4 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
