1957 Lotus Seven vs. 2005 BMW 545
To start off, 2005 BMW 545 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 4,390 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 545 (326 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 545 weights approximately 915 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven. 2005 BMW 545 has automatic transmission and 1957 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1957 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 2005 BMW 545 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Seven | 545 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 4390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
