2010 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (433 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 486 kg more than 2006 BMW 318. 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Lotus Elise | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | 318 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 433 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1881 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4882 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1915 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1354 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2941 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 63 L |
