1978 BMW 628 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 BMW 628. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 628.
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, 1978 BMW 628 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 628 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 628 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 44 L |
