2009 BMW 120 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 11 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 680 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 120 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 40 L |
