1974 BMW 3 vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 853 kg more than 1958 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
1974 BMW 3 | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 3 | Elite |
Year Released | 1974 | 1958 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1216 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 105 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 66.7 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2240 mm |