1966 BMW 1600 vs. 1962 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1966 BMW 1600 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,574 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 BMW 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 BMW 1600 (85 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1966 BMW 1600 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 BMW 1600 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. 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, 1966 BMW 1600 (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1966 BMW 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 1962 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 1600 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 29 L |
