BMW Z4 vs Lotus Elise
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2011 Lotus Elise
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | sDrive30i | Base |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2011 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $56,100 | $51,845 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $76,717 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $77,845 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $78,972 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 2 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 23 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 27 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 13.7 gal (best) | 11.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp (best) | 189 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (best) | 133 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 9.9 cu ft (best) | 4 cu ft |
| Payload | 459 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,314 lbs | 2,010 lbs (best) |
| Wheelbase | 97.2 in (best) | 90.5 in |
| Length | 170.7 in (best) | 149 in |
| Width | 73.4 in (best) | 67.7 in |
| Height | 51.4 in (best) | 44 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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.
| Trim | BMW Z4 | Lotus Elise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | sDrive30i $56,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $51,845 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | M40i $68,400 MSRP | SC $54,990 MSRP |