1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 37 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 864 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 419 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Eclat | 550 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1106 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
