1977 BMW 320 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 320 (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 320 weights approximately 370 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 320. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 320 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 31 L |
