1982 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1982 BMW 318. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1982 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 BMW 318 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 318. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 BMW 318 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
