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BMW 1 Series vs Lotus Emira comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 406 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 83,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Lotus Emira?

BMW 1 Series vs Lotus Emira: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

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  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • only slightly lighter
  • considerably more trunk space
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Lotus Emira

  • visibly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 1 Series is significantly cheaper – starting at 29,400 £ , while the Lotus Emira costs 83,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 54,214 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Lotus Emira with 9.2 L/100km. The difference is about 4.9 L/100km.

Emira

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Lotus Emira offers visibly more power – delivering 406 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 106 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Lotus Emira is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.9 s. That’s about 0.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Lotus Emira delivers moderately more torque with 480 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: BMW 1 Series offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is only slightly lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,521 kg. The difference is around 56 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 1 Series offers considerably more boot space – 380 L compared to 151 L. That’s a difference of about 229 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries substantially more – 510 kg compared to 230 kg. That’s a difference of about 280 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,400
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
BMW 1 Series
Lotus Emira

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

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Lotus Emira

The Lotus Emira is a supremely alive sports coupe that blends razor‑sharp handling with enough everyday comfort to make it usable beyond the track. It looks gorgeous, sounds eager and delivers a focused, smile-inducing drive that will seduce enthusiasts and tempt sensible buyers alike.

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BMW 1 Series
Lotus Emira

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
83,600 - 107,600 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9.2 - 11.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
208 - 245 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Coupe
Seats
5
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,521 - 1,533 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
151 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,895 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
213 - 230 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
365 - 406 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 4.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
420 - 480 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
268 - 298 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,456 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2,023 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Lotus
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.