Car comparison

BMW Z4 (G29) 30ivsLotus Elise (SERIES 3) · Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8

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

New comparison

BMW Z4 (G29)

30i

258 hp1998 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTurbochargedRoadster2018-2022
VS

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) · Facelift 2017

Cup 260 1.8

250 hp1798 ccGasolineRWDManualSuperchargedRoadster2017-2021

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW Z4 (G29) 30i

  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    258 hp
    192 kW
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    6.1 L/100 km
    38.6 mpg US
    46.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    7.4 L/100 km
    31.8 mpg US
    38.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    5.3 L/100 km
    44.4 mpg US
    53.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    139 g/km
  • Best overall score
    54/100
  • Best performance score
    65/100
  • Best economy score
    90/100
  • Best practicality score
    32/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWZ4 (G29)30iLotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Power
258hp192kW
250hp186kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
265Nm195lb-ft
Curb weight
1,415kg3,120lb
895kg1,973lb
Gross weight
1,740kg3,836lb
-
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
243 km/h
151 mph
To 99% top speed
67.9s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
43.4s99% target: 241 km/h / 149 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.4s
4.2s
0-200 km/h
18.7s
Calculated
15.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.1s
Calculated
4.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
6.1L/100 km38.6mpg US46.3mpg UK
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
7.4L/100 km31.8mpg US38.2mpg UK
10.1L/100 km23.3mpg US28.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
5.3L/100 km44.4mpg US53.3mpg UK
6L/100 km39.2mpg US47.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.5s
Calculated
12.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
182hp/t136kW/t83hp/1000 lb
Calculated
279hp/t208kW/t127hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
283Nm/t189lb-ft/ton
Calculated
296Nm/t198lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
852km530mi
Calculated
-
Displacement
1,998cc122cu in
1,798cc110cu in
Length
4,324mm170in
-
Width
1,864mm73in
-
Height
1,304mm51in
-
Wheelbase
2,470mm97in
-
Front track
1,609mm63in
-
Rear track
1,616mm64in
-
Ground clearance
117mm5in
-
Trunk volume
281L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
52L
-
CO2 emissions
139g/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 (G29) 30iLotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8PowerTorque
  • BMW Z4 (G29) 30i: Power / Torque
  • Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWZ4 (G29)30i5,000-6,500 rpm1,550-4,400 rpm6,750 rpm
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.87,200 rpm5,500 rpm7,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWZ4 (G29)30iLotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.1 s
4.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.4 s
4.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
18.7 s
15.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
243 km/h
151 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.1 s
330 ft
101 m
5.9 s
5.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
8.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.4 s
10.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.5 s
12.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
173 km/h
108 mph
185 km/h
115 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (G29)30i
258 hp
192 kW
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
250 hp
186 kW

BMW Z4 (G29) 30i has 8 hp more than Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8.

The biggest power difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8 and BMW Z4 (G29) 30i: 8 hp (6 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (G29)30i
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
265 Nm
195 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (G29)30i
1,415 kg
3,120 lb
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
895 kg
1,973 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 (G29)30i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
243 km/h
151 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ4 (G29)30i5.4 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.84.2 s

Although BMW Z4 (G29) 30i has more power, Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8 and BMW Z4 (G29) 30i: 1.2 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 (G29)30i
6.1 L/100 km
38.6 mpg US
46.3 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW Z4 (G29) 30i and Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8: 1.4 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 (G29)30i
182 hp/t
136 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
279 hp/t
208 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWZ4 (G29)30i
258 hp
192 kW
5.4 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
250 hp
186 kW
4.2 s
243 km/h
151 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 (G29)30i
Power
258 hp
192 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
281 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,324 mm
170.2 in
Height
1,304 mm
51.3 in
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Power
250 hp
186 kW
0-100 km/h4.2 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length-
Height-

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 (G29)30i
Power
258 hp
192 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
6.1 L/100 km
38.6 mpg US
46.3 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Power
250 hp
186 kW
0-100 km/h4.2 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

BMW Z4 (G29) 30i 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 (G29)30i
6.1 L/100 km
38.6 mpg US
46.3 mpg UK
5.4 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
4.2 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 (G29)30i
182 hp/t
136 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
6.1 L/100 km
38.6 mpg US
46.3 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
279 hp/t
208 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWZ4 (G29)30iLotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Power
258 hp
192 kW
250 hp
186 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
265 Nm
195 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.4 s
4.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
243 km/h
151 mph
Lightness
1,415 kg
3,120 lb
895 kg
1,973 lb
Fuel consumption
6.1 L/100 km
38.6 mpg US
46.3 mpg UK
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
281 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,324 mm
170.2 in
Height
1,304 mm
51.3 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length-
Height-
Range score
852 km
530 mi
-
CO2 score
139 g/km
175 g/km
Trunk score
281 L
9.9 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
182 hp/t
136 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
279 hp/t
208 kW/t
3.6 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 (G29) 30iLotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8
Consumption6.1 L/100 km38.6 mpg US46.3 mpg UK7.5 L/100 km31.4 mpg US37.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km10.67 LC100 km13.13 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi17.18 LC100 mi21.12 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used915 L242 US gal201 UK gal1,125 L297 US gal247 UK gal
Annual fuel cost1,601 LC/year1,969 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW Z4 (G29) 30i

  • Has 8 hp more
  • Has 135 Nm more
  • Has 17 km/h (11 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 1.4 L/100 km less fuel
  • Emits 36 g/km less CO2

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Heaviest

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8

  • Is 520 kg lighter
  • Is 1.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 97 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 (G29) 30i
Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Cup 260 1.8
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