1974 BMW 2.8 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 2.8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 2.8 would be higher. At 3,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 2.8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1974 BMW 2.8. (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 2.8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 2.8 weights approximately 644 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
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, 1974 BMW 2.8 (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 2.8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 2.8 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 2.8 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3293 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2310 mm |
