2009 BMW 125 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 811 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 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2009 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 125 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2996 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 | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
