M Roadster Vs. Lotus Elise

Okay, Okay, so I think I know what the overwhelming majority of you automatically think, and it's the same thing I first thought..."Elise". But, once I thought about it more, I'm not so sure. I mean, the Bimmer has better straight line performance, and even pulls more lateral G's than the Elise! Quite an accomplishment.

So, anyone want to be brave and choose the M roadster?

I like the styling of the lotus better. Maybe when the new body style comes out I'll go with the M. The M's power is really nice though.

See, that's the thing. The M has tons of power, both horsepower and torque, but the elise (with significantly less power) is lighter. Thus, even though 0-60 is only slightly faster than the Elise, the M has much better higher end. The Elise could take the corner faster, but I think the M would pull out of the turn faster due to it's torque advantage.

Elise with the M roadster engine. :D

will the M roadster get the same 333hp engine as the new M3, if so its gonna be a killa :D

I don't know if it's the same engine, but I'm sure it'll be something like 300+ hp.

jus found out the other day its 315hp as i saw on the cover of caranddriver mag

didnt get time to read up on it though

its just as fast as the Corvette not Z06 in the quarter 13.1

I heard 321 from somewhere else. All I know is that it is a detuned M3 engine. As for the compariso, I have been in a 99' 'M" Roadster and can say it is very faster and it can pull some Lateral G's but, I here the Lotus is remarkable coabable of taking corners at High Speed because Lotus is know for cars with good suspension and handling. They have half the HP, but at Almost Half the wieght it makes the Lotus my choice.

Yeah, I think this is a case where handling is far superior to power output (even though Hp/weight ratios are similar).

M Roadster...
315 hp @ 7400
251 lb-ft @4900
0-60 in 5.0 seconds
this is because the M Roadster/M Coupe's engine bay couldn't fit the M3's intracite intake and exhaust sytem. still fun to drive nonetheless. check out AUTOMOBILE's latest issue. all 5 M's from BMW. :):):):):):)
i think i'd probably pick the Lotus. i dont know the exact specs but i do know it's light and handles. you can always add horseys.