1957 Lotus Seven vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 52 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (38 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 1135 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. 2009 BMW 318 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. 2009 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Seven | 318 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3280 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 63 L |
