1975 BMW 315 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 315. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 315 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1975 BMW 315. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 315. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 315 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 315. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 315.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 315 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 315 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 154 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2310 mm |
