← Back to compare hub

BMW 335i vs Lotus Elise

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

BMW logo

2015 BMW 335i

Lotus logo

2011 Lotus Elise

Overview

SpecBMW 335i335iLotus EliseBase
Selected trim335iBase
Body styleSedanConvertible
Drivetrainrear wheel driverear wheel drive
Fuel typepremium unleaded (required)premium unleaded (required)
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic6-speed manual
Engine typegasgas
Model year20152011

Pricing & market

SpecBMW 335i335iLotus EliseBase
MSRP$43,750 (best)$51,845
For sale now00

Fuel economy & range

SpecBMW 335i335iLotus EliseBase
Combined MPG25 MPG (best)23 MPG
City MPG21 MPG21 MPG
Highway MPG32 MPG (best)27 MPG
Fuel tank15.8 gal (best)11.5 gal

Performance

SpecBMW 335i335iLotus EliseBase
Horsepower300 hp (best)189 hp
Torque300 lb-ft (best)133 lb-ft
Engine size3 L (best)1.8 L
CylindersI6I4

Size & capability

SpecBMW 335i335iLotus EliseBase
Seating5 seats (best)2 seats
Doors4 (best)2
Cargo volume13 cu ft (best)4 cu ft
Payload900 lbs (best)—
Curb weight3,595 lbs2,010 lbs (best)
Ground clearance5.5 in (best)—
Wheelbase110.6 in (best)90.5 in
Length182.2 in (best)149 in
Width71.3 in (best)67.7 in
Height56.3 in (best)44 in

Safety & recalls

SpecBMW 335i335iLotus EliseBase
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)—
Frontal crash (driver)4 / 5 ★ (best)—
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)—
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)—
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)—
Side pole5 / 5 ★ (best)—
Rollover5 / 5 ★ (best)—
Open recalls (YMM scope)32 (best)

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimBMW 335iLotus Elise
1

335i

$43,750 MSRP(Currently comparing)

Base

$51,845 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2—

SC

$54,990 MSRP

BMW 335i vs Lotus Elise FAQ

Which is better: 2015 BMW 335i or 2011 Lotus Elise?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2015 BMW 335i vs 2011 Lotus Elise on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2015 BMW 335i or 2011 Lotus Elise?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2015 BMW 335i starts lower at $43,750.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2015 BMW 335i or 2011 Lotus Elise?
The 2015 BMW 335i leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (43,750).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2015 BMW 335i or 2011 Lotus Elise?
The 2015 BMW 335i leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (25).
Which has better horsepower: 2015 BMW 335i or 2011 Lotus Elise?
The 2015 BMW 335i leads on horsepower in this comparison (300).
Which has better seats: 2015 BMW 335i or 2011 Lotus Elise?
The 2015 BMW 335i leads on seats in this comparison (5).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2015 BMW 335i vs 2011 Lotus Elise?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: BMW 335i (5/5 NHTSA overall).