Car comparison

BMW Z4 (E89) 28ivsLotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW Z4 (E89)

28i

245 hp1997 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTurbochargedRoadster2011-2013
VS

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3)

S Cup 1.8

220 hpGasolineRWDManualSuperchargedRoadster2012-2016

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW Z4 (E89) 28i

  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    245 hp
    183 kW
  • Highest torque
    350 Nm
    258 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    6.8 L/100 km
    34.6 mpg US
    41.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    9.4 L/100 km
    25.0 mpg US
    30.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    5.3 L/100 km
    44.4 mpg US
    53.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    159 g/km
  • Best estimated range
    809 km
    503 mi
  • Best overall score
    52/100
  • Best economy score
    89/100
  • Best practicality score
    32/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWZ4 (E89)28iLotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
Power
245hp183kW
220hp164kW
Torque
350Nm258lb-ft
250Nm184lb-ft
Curb weight
1,495kg3,296lb
952kg2,099lb
Gross weight
1,750kg3,858lb
-
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
73.0s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
47.0s99% target: 243 km/h / 151 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.5s
4.6s
0-200 km/h
19.6s
Calculated
16.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
4.4s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
9.4L/100 km25mpg US30.1mpg UK
9.9L/100 km23.8mpg US28.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
5.3L/100 km44.4mpg US53.3mpg UK
6.1L/100 km38.6mpg US46.3mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.6s
Calculated
12.7s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
164hp/t122kW/t74hp/1000 lb
Calculated
231hp/t172kW/t105hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
234Nm/t157lb-ft/ton
Calculated
263Nm/t176lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
809km503mi
Calculated
533km331mi
Calculated
Displacement
1,997cc122cu in
-
Length
4,239mm167in
3,824mm151in
Width
1,790mm70in
1,719mm68in
Height
1,291mm51in
1,117mm44in
Wheelbase
2,496mm98in
2,300mm91in
Front track
1,511mm59in
-
Rear track
1,559mm61in
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
55L
40L
CO2 emissions
159g/km
175g/km

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW Z4 (E89) 28iLotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8PowerTorque
  • BMW Z4 (E89) 28i: Power / Torque
  • Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWZ4 (E89)28i5,000-6,500 rpm1,250-4,800 rpm6,750 rpm
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.86,800 rpm4,600 rpm7,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWZ4 (E89)28iLotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
4.4 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.5 s
4.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
19.6 s
16.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
5.9 s
5.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
8.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.5 s
10.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.6 s
12.7 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
171 km/h
106 mph
182 km/h
113 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
245 hp
183 kW
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
220 hp
164 kW

BMW Z4 (E89) 28i has 25 hp more than Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8.

The biggest power difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8 and BMW Z4 (E89) 28i: 25 hp (19 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
250 Nm
184 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
1,495 kg
3,296 lb
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
952 kg
2,099 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)28i5.5 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.84.6 s

Although BMW Z4 (E89) 28i has more power, Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8 and BMW Z4 (E89) 28i: 0.9 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW Z4 (E89) 28i and Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8: 0.7 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
164 hp/t
122 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
231 hp/t
172 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
809 km
503 mi
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
533 km
331 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
245 hp
183 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
220 hp
164 kW
4.6 s
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
Power
245 hp
183 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,239 mm
166.9 in
Height
1,291 mm
50.8 in
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h4.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
3,824 mm
150.6 in
Height
1,117 mm
44.0 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
Power
245 hp
183 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h4.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK
5.5 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
4.6 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMWZ4 (E89)28i
164 hp/t
122 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
231 hp/t
172 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWZ4 (E89)28iLotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
Power
245 hp
183 kW
220 hp
164 kW
Torque
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
250 Nm
184 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.5 s
4.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Lightness
1,495 kg
3,296 lb
952 kg
2,099 lb
Fuel consumption
6.8 L/100 km
34.6 mpg US
41.5 mpg UK
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,239 mm
166.9 in
Height
1,291 mm
50.8 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
3,824 mm
150.6 in
Height
1,117 mm
44.0 in
Range score
809 km
503 mi
533 km
331 mi
CO2 score
159 g/km
175 g/km
Power-to-weight score
164 hp/t
122 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
231 hp/t
172 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW Z4 (E89) 28iLotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8
Consumption6.8 L/100 km34.6 mpg US41.5 mpg UK7.5 L/100 km31.4 mpg US37.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km11.90 LC100 km13.13 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi19.15 LC100 mi21.12 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,020 L269 US gal224 UK gal1,125 L297 US gal247 UK gal
Annual fuel cost1,785 LC/year1,969 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW Z4 (E89) 28i

  • Has 25 hp more
  • Has 100 Nm more
  • Has 15 km/h (9 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 0.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 275 km (171 mi) more estimated range
  • Emits 16 g/km less CO2

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Heaviest

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8

  • Is 543 kg lighter
  • Is 0.9 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 67 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Lowest top speed
  • Highest CO2 emissions

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW Z4 (E89) 28i
Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8
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