1975 BMW 320 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1975 BMW 320. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 320 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 320. (157 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 320 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 40 L |
