1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1982 BMW 318
To start off, 1982 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1982 BMW 318. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1982 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 35 kg more than 1982 BMW 318. 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 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 318. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 BMW 318. 1982 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Eclat has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Eclat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1982 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Eclat | 318 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
