1974 Lotus Elite vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1974 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, 2009 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite. 2009 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elite | 330 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 248 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 61 L |
